The document is part of an application to get a DNA sample from several inmates at the prison in order to determine whose bodily fluids are on a pillowcase. The pillowcase was allegedly used to hold a “nice sized” rock, and the whole contraption was used to pummel inmate Daniel Dease so badly that he suffered about a dozen broken bones in his face. Doctors at Swedish Medical Center had to use plates and screws to reassemble his visage.

What did Dease do to bring about this beating?

According to the affidavit, he set aside two bananas while working in food service at the prison, but they vanished by the end of his shift. Dease told investigators he later heard inmate Stanley Knight bragging about stealing the bananas. Dease confronted Knight, saying he touched Knight’s shoulder while talking to him. Knight later claimed, according to another inmate, that Dease had strangled him. (Knight refused to talk to investigators.)

The assault happened on Jan. 21 when Dease stepped out of a room and, he said, found himself surrounded by eight to 10 men before things went black. Another inmate told investigators that he saw Knight hitting Dease with the rock-in-a-pillowcase and that he pulled Knight off Dease, telling Knight, “that it was enough.”

Bureau of Prisons investigators apparently examined the assault for two days before calling the FBI. It does not appear from court filings that Knight or an alleged accomplice have been charged in the assault. The search warrant returns only specify that mouth swabs were taken of the inmates but do not reveal whose fluids are on the pillowcase.

It’s all a reminder that, no matter how choice life in a particular prison is reputed to be, it’s still prison.

LEADING OFF: Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich could serve his 14-year sentence in Colorado – and if he does, thankfully, he’ll get to keep that full head of hair, Felisa Cardona reports. (No word on whether he’ll also get to bring the always-present hair brush he fondly referred to as “the football”). Other activities he may engage in at the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood: Toastmasters club (Blago should immediately be elected president), macrame and ping pong.

STRIKE ONE: Speaking of traveling to Colorado, former Breckenridge attorney Royal “Scoop” Daniel was booked into the Summit County jail on Tuesday. Daniel, who faked his own 2007 disappearance amid claims he stole from clients, was caught last week trying to cross the border from Mexico to the United States. And I have to say, he did a pretty good job changing his appearance. Check out these before and after photos:

STRIKE TWO: Denver residents can expect to see more Denver police on patrol, new Denver police Chief Robert White told members of the city council on his first full day on the job. He also said he “needs to be there” for the next Occupy Denver march, though he likely won’t be in uniform – White’s saving that for after he’s is certified by the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. He hopes to take the test next month.

STRIKE THREE: Also on Tuesday, a Denver judge ruled that the rape and kidnapping trial of a Denver police officer may go forward, Jessica Fender reports.